Macaroni Kid
East Tucson
Macaroni Kid   Editions

Welcome to East Tucson Macaroni Kid!


Welcome to East Tucson Macaroni Kid!

Do you live, work or play in East or Central Tucson? This is the newsletter for you!  I also live, work and play in this community and I strive to put together the best family-friendly offerings in our area every week! 

Are you checking out the website for the first time? Because there are so many great things going on in Tucson for families, not all events are listed in the newsletter every week.  For a full listing of events, here is a quick ...


2013 East Tucson Summer Camp Guide


Amazing Summer Experiences Await Your Child!

From acting to art, climbing to clay, and singing to science, there is BOUND to be a program in our camp guide for your child!  Look for programs for the youngest little people (ages 2-6) all the way through camps for middle and high school students.

If you find a program you like in our guide, please tell them Macaroni Kid sent you!
2013 Summer Camp Guide
Click the graphic above to see the entire list of summer programs, or click an item in the list below to find out more information about an ...

Mother's Day is Over, BUT...


...It's still Mother's MONTH at East Tucson Macaroni Kid!

Week Three of Mother's Month begins...NOW! Take a look below to see this week's sponsors and previous weeks' winners!  
 
This week, look for giveaways from:
NYR Organic with Amy Miner
It Works Wraps with Chelsea
Risky Business
Eco-Green Carpet, Tile & Upholstery Care
And a special giveaway from All Together Theater (Live Theatre Workshop)

Two weeks remain, and more giveaways, including those from:
Lisie's Pieces
Origami Owl (Independent Designer Siobhan Lopez)
Just Between Friends Tucson
Gretchen's Pampered Chef 
Blanchard International
...and MORE!

Previous Weeks' WINNERS!
Stella ...

Win a $95 Gift Certificate to EcoGreen!


An East Tucson Mac Kid Mother's Month Giveaway!

There's clean, as in, "Yes, the dirt is gone."  And then there's CLEAN...you know, the kind of clean that gets rid of the dirt in a way that's healthier for your family and safe for the environment.  EcoGreen Carpet, Tile and Upholstery Care can boast that kind of clean, because they utilizes all natural, Earth Friendly and Hypo-Allergenic products that are safe for your family, pets and the the Earth (click HERE to learn more about the products they use).  

But, you ask, can those products ...

Win Products from NYR Organic with Amy Miner


An East Tucson Mac Kid Mother's Month Giveaway!

Amy Miner is a Renaissance Woman.  She's a stay at home mom to 2 little girls (3 months & 2 years); a USAF Veteran; a part time licensed massage therapist; a licensed aesthetician and last but definitely not least, she's an Independent Consultant for NYR Organic.   

Amy loves sharing NYR Organic products and knowledge with people. NYR Organic is an award winning, certified organic skincare company that carries facial products, body skincare, massage oil, aromatherapy, make-up, men's grooming and a mother & baby specific line of skincare products.

To ...


Win a $25 Gift Certificate to Risky Business


An East Tucson Mac Kid Mother's Month Giveaway!

Risky Business is Tucson’s favorite family of restaurants and sports bars. Whether you’re taking the family out for dinner or enjoying a lunch with your girlfriends, any of Risky’s 3 Tucson locations is ready to serve you. Use this gift certificate to try a delicious salad, a grill item, or anything else from their extensive menu.  Bring the whole family...especially on a Tuesday night when kids eat free...or head out for date night.  However you use your prize, you're sure to enjoy Risky Business ...

Win Two Wraps from It Works! with Chelsea


An East Tucson Mac Kid Mother's Month Giveaway!

Better Health.  More Energy.  Clothes that fit like you want them to.   These things aren't too much for a busy mom to want for herself, are they?  Chelsea, an Independent Consultant with It Works!  Wraps, thinks that's absolutely NOT too much to ask, and she feels like she has found the answer with It Works!  Body Wraps.  

The Detoxifying Botanical Ultimate Body Wraps help tighten, tone, firm in 45 minutes. At the same time helping to fade stretch marks, scars, and get rid of cellulite that you can ...

Win 4 Tickets to Miss Nelson is Missing!


An All Together Theatre Production, Sundays May 26-July 14

MISS NELSON IS MISSING!
Based on the book by Harry Allard & James Marshall
Adapted for the stage by Jeffrey Hatcher

Miss Nelson can't control her crazy classroom because she's just too nice. But when she disappears, her replacement is the hard-as-nails, detention-loving, recess-canceling, homework-overloading substitute teacher Viola Swamp! With the Big Test approaching, the kids suddenly realize how much they miss Miss Nelson and they'll do anything--including hiring a private eye--to solve the mystery of her disappearance and bring her back.

When:  Sundays, May 26 - July 14 ...

Tucson Summer Reading Programs


Local and National Incentives to get Kids READING!

Barnes and Noble:  Read 8 books, get 1 free!  Children participating in Barnes and Noble's summer reading program have from May 24-September 6 to complete a reading journal (download here) with 8 books they've read. Completed journals can be turned in for a free book!  

Pima County Library:  The Library's Summer Reading Program runs May 24-July 21.  This year's theme is Dig Into Reading and once again, everyone (children, teens, and adults) can participate in the program.  Children will receive a board game to help them ...


This Week's Picks:


May 18th through May 19th

Saturday, May 18 - Flock Party at the Tucson Botanical Gardens

Join the Gardens for a family-friendly day of presentations, performances and activities- all about birds! See live birds of prey, get all your avian questions answered by the Tucson Audubon Society.  Visit our Birds of the Southwest Discovery Cart to get some up-close bird knowledge and learn about gardening practices used to attract birds to your backyard.  Children of all ages will enjoy some fine feathered craft projects including a make-your-own bird feeder. TBG’s favorite story teller, Mister Ben, will be entertaining all day with bird themed children’s books. 
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: The whole family
How: Just show up!
Cost: Included with park admission:  $8/adults, $4 children 4-12, FREE 3 and under.
For more info: 326-9686 or tucsonbotanical.org

Saturday, May 18 - Family Fiesta Summer Reading Kick Off!

Come to the Tanque Verde Swap meet for a Family Fiesta with Pima County Public Library. A highlight of the Family Fiesta will be live performances of The Three Cabritos and Let's Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy. (Based on The Three Cabritos adapted by Eric A. Kimmel and Let's Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy by Jan Thomas.)  Curious George and Clifford will be there, there will be a Bookmobile and Bookwalk and crafts and activities for the kids!
Where: Tanque Verde Swap Meet, 4100 S. Palo Verde Road
When: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Who: The whole family!
How: Just show up...and then sign up for the Summer Reading Program, which will run May 24-July 20 this year.
Cost: FREE
For more info: Visit the library's website HERE.

Sunday, May 19 - Best of Stories that Soar!

Best of Stories that Soar! is a fun-filled, family-friendly event celebrating the amazing powers of children’s imaginations, literacy, and the performing arts. The 2012-13 Best of Stories that Soar! will include two completely different shows as well as a mid-show Satellite Celebration to honor our authors. Showcasing audience favorites from every school STS! visits during the year, both Best of STS! shows are guaranteed to be an out of this world adventure! You’ll find zany characters as well as touching life stories; from silly to scary, sweet to serious, there is something for everyone! Join us, and watch the magic unfold! 
Where: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave.
When: 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM (4 O'Clock Show 4pm-5pm (ticketed) Mid-Show Celebration 5pm-6:30pm (free), 6:30-7:30 show (ticketed))
Who: The whole family
How: Purchase tickets online or Antigone Books on 4th Avenue.  Tickets can also be purchased at the door.  Credit cards, cash and check are accepted at the door. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 5th.
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 children under 12
For more info: Visit the Literacy Connects website for more details.

This Week's Calendar:


May 17th through May 23rd

Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19 - CYT Presents The Wizard of Oz

Little Dorothy Gale of Kansas, like so many girls her age, dreams frequently of what lies Over The Rainbow. One day a twister hits her farm and carries her away. At the end of the rainbow, she finds herself in picturesque Munchkinland,  Glinda the Good Witch, the Wicked Witch of the West, Flying Monkeys, a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, a Lion and a Wizard!  Come join us for the adventure....flying, dancing and singing.
Where: Crowder Hall, 1017 N Olive Rd on the UA Campus
When: Friday, May 17th – 7:00pm Saturday, May 18th – 2:00pm, 7:00pm Sunday, May 19th – 2:00pm
Who: The whole family!
How: Purchase tickets HERE.
Cost: $10/person
For more info: Visit http://www.cyttucson.org/shows/Wizard-of-Oz-19

Friday, May 17 - Story Time at Bookmans Grant

Each week we will read a few cool stories while we enjoy some delicious snacks and juice. After the stories, we'll have a fun craft including things like coloring, decorating our own t-shirts, and making book marks! Come join the fun!
Where: Bookmans Grant, 1930 E. Grant
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Children
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.bookmans.com

Friday, May 17 - Nature Stories at Agua Caliente Park

Listening to stories is a wonderful way for children to learn about the natural world around them. Join us for a story reading at the park, followed by an art activity. This program is a partnership between Pima County Natural Resources and Tucson Audubon Society.
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: The whole family
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE

Friday, May 17 - Family Fun Fridays on the Farm

Every Friday Tucson Village Farm will be open to the public and offering free educational activities such as a worm bin, food demonstrations, grain milling and Gertie the Mechanical Cow.
Where: Tucson Village Farm, 4210 N. Campbell Ave.
When: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: The whole family
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE.

Saturday, May 18 through Sunday, May 19 - The Music Man Jr. from Live Theatre Workshop

Live Theatre Workshop presents The Music Man Jr. as performed by young performers ages 12-18.  

Where: Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E Speedway Blvd
When: Saturday May 18, 4:00 PM; Sunday, May 19 12:00 & 7:00
Who: The whole family
Cost: Tickets $10
For more info: phone:  520-327-4242 or visit the website HERE.  

Saturday, May 18 - Mommy & Me Tai Chi

Safe, comfortable space for Mommy to engage in mind-body exercise to relax, rejuvenate, refresh and have fun while the children participate at their own level (including doing their own thing) in the peaceful space we create. Make new friends while learning how to nurture yourself and then others.  Program presented by Heather Chalon, MPH.
Where: Martha Cooper Library, 1377 N. Catalina
When: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Who: Mom (all caregivers welcome) and young children
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: Call 594-5315

Saturday, May 18 - Waldorf School Open House and Puppet Play

Learn about the Early Childhood Waldorf School Program at the Tucson Waldorf School Presidio Campus.  Meet members of the EC Faculty and discover the beauty and wonder of a Waldorf classsroom. Children can explore in the play area while parents and teachers visit. The hour-long event ends with a Puppet Play presented with hand-felted wool dolls made by the teachers. 
Where: Tucson Waldorf School Presidio Campus, 3349 E. Presidio Rd.
When: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Who: Children ages 2-6 and their parents
How: Email [email protected] to RSVP
Cost: FREE
For more info: Visit the Tucson Waldorf website HERE.

Saturday, May 18 through Sunday, May 19 - Gaslight Youth Theatre Presents: Wagon Wheels West

Join us for a rootin', tootin' spoof of the old west, performed by the Gaslight Youth Theatre!
Where: Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway
When: 11:00 AM
Who: The whole family
How: Call 886-9428 for ticket reservations (recommended) or purchase at the Gaslight Box Office
Cost: $12 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under
For more info: http://www.thegaslighttheatre.com, 886-9428

Saturday, May 18 - Spot the Dog Visits Storytime at East Side Barnes and Noble

Join us for a special storytime with a visit from Spot the Dog!
Where: East Side Barnes and Noble; 5130 E. Broadway
When: 11:00 AM
Who: Children
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: 512-1166; www.barnesandnoble.com

Saturday, May 18 - Dinosaur Discoveries (Himmel Park Library)

Who doesn't dig dinos?  Learn all about dinosaurs with an interactive show and tell of bones, replica teeth, claws and other hands-on items.  Make a trace fossil to take home!  Presented by Children's Museum Tucson.
Where: Himmel Park Branch Library, 1035 N. Treat
When: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Who: Children
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: Call 520-594-5305.

Saturday, May 18 - Geeking Out Speedway Style

Video game challenge (starting at noon) and comic book craft (from 1-2).  Let your inner geek shine!
Where: Bookman's Speedway; 6230 E. Speedway
When: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.bookmans.com

Saturday, May 18 - How Things Fly

Children will build, test and take home a series of experiments that will help them learn about air preasure, aircraft stability, and the four forces of flight.
Where: Pima Air and Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Road
When: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Who: Children ages 8 and older and their adult companions
How: Reservations suggested.  Contact Mina Stafford at [email protected]
Cost: Program Free with Museum Admission.
For more info: http://www.pimaair.org/events.php or contact Mina Stafford [email protected]

Saturday, May 18 - Arts Under the Stars

A celebration of the fine arts for the whole family, this festival includes performances by Rincon University High School band, orchestra, dance, and drama, and exhibits of student art work. Food for sale to benefit the arts, plus a Silent Auction.
Where: Rincon-University High School, 421 N. Arcadia (near 5th and Swan)
When: 6:30 PM
Who: The whole family
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: 520-232-5831

Sunday, May 19 - FREE Day at the International Wildlife Museum

Celebrate International Museum Day with FREE admission to the International Wildlife Museum.  Bring a non-perishable food donation to the Tucson Community Food Bank and get into the museum free of charge.
Where: The International Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass Road
When: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Who: The whole family
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free admission with a donation to the Tucson Community Food Bank

Monday, May 20 - Baby & Me Play-based learning group

Join us in a relaxed and fun play environment just right for you and your infant!  Play builds your baby's brain as it builds your relationship.  Come join the fun!
Where: The Parent Connection, 5326 E. Pima St., Tucson, AZ
When: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Who: Babies birth to walking and parents
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 520-321-1500, http://www.theparentconnectionaz.org

Monday, May 20 - Stay & Play at Kirk Bear Canyon Library

Do you want to: • Have fun with your child? • Make new friends? • Learn effective parenting skills? • Build a strong parent-child relationship? • Help your child be ready for school? Offering: • Open playtime • Parent-child activities • Circle time • Parenting support and education.
Where: Kirk Bear Canyon Library, 8959 E. Tanque Verde
When: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Children 8-48 months with their parents or caregivers.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: Call The Parent Connection at 321-1500 or visit www.theparentconnectionaz.org

Tuesday, May 21 - Stay&Play (Miller-Golf Links Library)

Do you want to: • Have fun with your child? • Make new friends? • Learn effective parenting skills? • Build a strong parent-child relationship? • Help your child be ready for school? Offering: • Open playtime • Parent-child activities • Circle time • Parenting support and education.
Where: Miller Golf-Links Library 9640 E. Golf Links Rd. Tucson, Arizona 85730
When: 9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Who: Young children 8 months-48 months and parents/caregivers.
How: Just show up!  Please try to arrive within the first half hour
Cost: FREE
For more info: Call The Parent Connection at 321-1500 or visit www.theparentconnectionaz.org

Tuesday, May 21 - Music Hour/Story Time at Bookmans Speedway

Music Hour and Storytime at Bookman's Speedway have combined into one fun event!  Children will sing and dance for 30 minutes and then settle for snacks and story time.  Crafts and coloring projects will be occationally included. 
Where: Bookman's Speedway; 6230 E. Speedway
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Every Tuesday)
Who: Children
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.bookmans.com

Wednesday, May 22 - Family Fun Night at Bookmans Speedway

Family Fun Night is back at Bookman's Speedway!  All ages are welcome to join in the fun of both open and guided gaming. There will also be puzzles, board games and guided craft events on alternating weeks. 
Where: Bookman's Speedway; 6230 E. Speedway
When: 7:00 PM (Every Wednesday)
Who: The whole family!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.bookmans.com

Thursday, May 23 - Parent/Tot Class

Sing songs, make art projects, read stories, have a snack, and share parenting advice with each other in this fun, free, educational class. Occasional guest speakers will help us tackle specific issues. Facilitated by Heather Gordon.
Where: Congregation Anshai Israel, 5550 E. 5th Street, Tucson.
When: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Weekly on Thursdays, pending Jewish holidays)
Who: Children 3- to 24-months in age and their parent(s). Open to the public!
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: For more information, contact Lynne Falkow-Strauss at 745-5550, ext. 229 or [email protected]

Thursday, May 23 - Baby & Me Play-based learning group

Join us in a relaxed and fun play environment just right for you and your infant!  Play builds your baby's brain as it builds your relationship.  Come join the fun!
Where: The Parent Connection, 5326 E. Pima St., Tucson, AZ
When: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Who: Babies birth to walking and parents
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 520-321-1500, http://www.theparentconnectionaz.org

Plan Ahead:


May 24th through May 26th

Friday, May 24 - Summer Safari Nights

Cool off in the Reid Park Zoo at Summer Safari Nights! Relax in the cooler temperatures, enjoy viewing your favorite animals, get an up close and personal encounter with one of our animal ambassadors and enjoy games, crafts and face painting for the kids.
Where: Reid Park Zoo
When: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM (Fridays through July 12)
Who: The whole family
How: Just show up!
Cost: Adults $9.00, Children 2-12 $5.00, Under 2 FREE
For more info: Visit the Zoo website HERE or call 520-881-4753 ext. 19.

Saturday, May 25 - Outdoor Family Day: The Lives of Bats

Learn about the fascinating lives of bats and the important roles they play in the envrionment. Complete a bat craft and learn about bat anatomy.  
Where: Agua Caliente Park
When: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Families with children 5-12
Cost: FREE
For more info: Call 615-7855 or visit the Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation website.

Sunday, May 26 - All Together Theater Presents: Miss Nelson is Missing

Miss Nelson can't control her crazy classroom because she's just too nice. But when she disappears, her replacement is the hard-as-nails, detention-loving, recess-canceling, homework-overloading substitute teacher Viola Swamp! With the Big Test approaching, the kids suddenly realize how much they miss Miss Nelson and they'll do anything--including hiring a private eye--to solve the mystery of her disappearance and bring her back.


Where: Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E Speedway Blvd
When: 12:30 PM
Who: The whole family
Cost: Tickets $7-$10 with discounts available for cash
For more info: phone:  520-327-4242, web:  www.LiveTheatreWorkshop.org

Macaroni Made: Gel Boards


I saw this awesome idea on Pinterest and it inspired me to try my own take on it! My kids love it and it was so easy and fun to make! 

Supplies:  
Hair gel (cheap stuff from the a dollar store)
Glitter
Duct tape
Cardboard
Clear plastic bag


Step 1: Measure approximately 5-6 ounces of hair gel and mix in as much glitter as you want!


Step 2: Pour mixture into a clear food storage bag and get as much air out as possible and seal bag.

Step 3: Measure ...

Part-time Princess by Deborah Underwood


May Macaroni Book Club Title

Part-time Princess by Deborah Underwood is not your typical fairy tale. When a normal little girl dreams one night that she is a princess, she wakes up to realize her royal adventures aren't just a dream after all. She's not just a princess who wears pretty gowns and goes to balls though, she fearlessly stands up to dragons and tames trolls. 

Part-time Princess is a perfect balance between all things princess and a fearless girl who stands up for herself. This princess loves glamour, but she is also ...

Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long!


Register for this FREE Summer Program

Did you know your children can bowl up to two games per day for FREE, all summer long?  Simply register them for the Kids Bowl Free program!    

The Kids Bowl Free program was developed to give children a safe, secure and fun way to spend time this summer, from May 15-August 31.  Tucson is lucky to have five participating bowling centers from Vantage Bowling.  Some age restrictions may apply, and shoe rental fees may also apply, but the games are free!  To participate, simply go to www.kidsbowlfree.com and ...

Tucson Splash Pads


Splash Pads Open Just in Time for the Warmer Weather

It' getting hot out there!  Cool off at one of Tucson's FREE Splash Pads-

City of Tucson Splash Pads (Opened April 27th, 2013).  Bothe opened 7 a.m. to dusk.

Catalina Park Splash Pad:  This new splash pad is at 900 N. 4th Avenue.  

Marty Birdman Center/Balboa Heights Splash Pad:  This Splash Pad opened July of 2012, and is located at 2536 N. Castro Avenue.  

Pima County Splash Pads 

Brandi Fenton Splash Pad (Opened April 20, 2013):  3482 E. River Road, open 7 a.m. to 7 p ...

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